The funds argued that Atos Origin is too small to compete as a generalist, but too big to focus properly on a niche.

ECONOMIST: Business in France

But then a French private-equity firm, PAI Partners, suddenly appeared as Atos Origin's largest single shareholder two weeks ago, and said it backed the management's strategy.

ECONOMIST: Business in France

The tech for 2012 will be the responsibility of seven partners, led by Atos Origin, the firm which has co-ordinated the technology of the last six Olympics.

BBC: Virtual London 2012 Olympics off starting block

In the midst of the fight over Atos Origin, he said that the hedge funds had a right to representation on the firm's board, given the size of their stake.

ECONOMIST: Business in France